The Catholic Church in Qatar is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope in Rome.

History

Qatar forms part of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia.

In 2023, there are about 350,000 Catholics in Qatar (including 9 priests),[1][2] most of whom are expatriate workers from the Philippines, Europe and India.[3]

Our Lady of the Rosary, the first Catholic church in Qatar, and also the first in an Arab Muslim emirate, was dedicated in the capital, Doha, on March 14, 2008.[4] The church cost $15 million to build and received contributions from Catholics throughout the Arabian Peninsula.[5] Previously, Catholics and other Christians were limited to informal group meetings in homes.[6] Catholic Mass is offered there in nine different languages.[7] Priests have noted that most services are held on Fridays.[8]

There are two Eastern Catholic Churches, St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church and St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church.[9]

See also

References

  1. Catholics and Cultures website, Retrieved 2023-07-05
  2. Ramesh Mathew (22 February 2014). "Prince Charles visits churches in Abu Hamour". Gulf Times. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  3. US State Dept 2022 report
  4. "First Catholic Church in Arabic Country To Be Dedicated to Mary". Catholic News Agency. March 3, 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-03.
  5. John Terrett (March 25, 2007). "Christian church rises in Arabia". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
  6. "Religious Freedom Gains New Foothold in Qatar". Christianity Today. March 6, 2000. Retrieved 2006-06-18.
  7. Harvard Divinity School website
  8. AP News, Retrieved 2023-07-05
  9. "Christianity in Qatar - Catholic 2021". Retrieved 2021-10-26.
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